Trial begins for man accused of orchestrating Tupac Shakur's 1996 killing

Key facts

• Duane "Keffe D" Davis, 63, is on trial for murder with a deadly weapon in connection with Tupac Shakur's 1996 killing.
• Prosecutors allege Davis orchestrated the shooting as revenge.
• Davis's book and media interviews detailing his alleged role are key evidence.
• The defense claims the book is fictionalized and co-authored for financial gain.
• The trial is expected to last several weeks with numerous witnesses.

Opening statements are scheduled to begin Monday in the trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, who is accused of orchestrating the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur. Davis, 63, has pleaded not guilty to murder with a deadly weapon, facing a potential life sentence if convicted.

Prosecutors allege that Davis was the "shot-caller" who organized the drive-by shooting to retaliate after Shakur and his entourage assaulted Davis's nephew hours before the rapper was killed. The gunfire originated from a white Cadillac carrying Davis and three other individuals, all of whom have since died. Davis's book, "Compton Street Legend," and his subsequent media interviews, in which he detailed his alleged role in the shooting, revived the Las Vegas investigation and became key evidence, according to prosecutors.

Davis's defense attorney, Michael Sanft, argues that the book was fictionalized and co-authored by Davis solely to make money. He contends it is unclear which parts of the book, if any, Davis actually wrote, as co-author Yusuf Jah has reportedly stated Davis did not fully read it. Prosecutors acknowledge the book is sensationalized but plan to present evidence to distinguish truth from exaggeration and lies.

Shakur, who died at age 25, remains a significant cultural figure, recognized for his influential music and posthumous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a street named in his honor in Oakland. Members of Shakur's family, including his stepbrother Maurice "Mopreme" Shakur, are expected to attend the trial, which is anticipated to last several weeks and involve 35 to 45 potential witnesses.